Credit Collections Manager

Position Summary

The Credit & Collections Manager is responsible for overseeing the company’s credit policies, customer risk assessment, and collections strategy within a high-volume wholesale/distribution environment. This role ensures timely cash flow, minimizes bad debt exposure, and supports sales growth by balancing risk and customer relationships. The ideal candidate has strong experience managing large customer portfolios, trade credit, and fast-paced invoicing cycles.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and enforce credit policies, procedures, and controls aligned with company objectives.
• Evaluate customer creditworthiness using financial statements, credit reports, and trade references; establish and maintain credit limits.
• Oversee accounts receivable aging and drive collections efforts to reduce DSO (Days Sales Outstanding).
• Lead and mentor the collections team; set performance goals and monitor KPIs.
• Partner with sales and customer service teams to resolve disputes, deductions, and short payments.
• Manage credit holds and release decisions while balancing risk and customer relationships.
• Analyze trends in delinquencies, write-offs, and bad debt reserves; recommend corrective actions.
• Maintain strong internal controls over AR processes in alignment with GAAP.
• Support month-end close activities, including AR reconciliation and allowance for doubtful accounts.
• Prepare reporting and dashboards for senior leadership (aging reports, DSO, collection effectiveness index).
• Coordinate with external agencies, legal counsel, and customers on escalated collections or recovery efforts.
• Ensure compliance with applicable regulations and company policies.

Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field (preferred)

Experience:

• 5–8+ years of progressive credit and collections experience, with at least 2–3 years in a leadership role
• Strong background in wholesale, distribution, or B2B high-volume invoicing environments
• Experience managing large customer portfolios and complex deductions/disputes

Knowledge & Skills:

• Deep understanding of trade credit, AR processes, and cash application
• Strong analytical skills and ability to interpret financial statements
• Proven leadership and team management capabilities
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and conflict resolution skills
• Proficiency in ERP systems and advanced Excel
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment